We had the Arts & Culture East Devon’s volunteer of the year for 2023 going to Sidmouth’s own Colin Trussell for his work at the Sidmouth Folk Festival.
And this year another Sidmouthian was recognised for their work as the ACED Volunteer of the Year 2025 is announced:
The ACED Volunteer of the Year award recognises a volunteer’s contribution to an arts or heritage organisation and recognises the impact they have made to the East Devon cultural landscape.
Congratulations to the winner of the ACED Volunteer of the Year 2025 award: Laura Hewitt from Seaton Museum.
A special recognition award for an outstanding contribution to arts & culture was won by Louise Cole from Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub and Sidmouth School of Art.
The announcement was made at the ACED Network Summer Meeting at A La Ronde, Exmouth. Laura and Louise were both honoured with a beautiful glass award, created by contemporary fused glass artist, Susan Purser Hope.
There’s more on the ACED Volunteer of the Year 2025 on the District Council’s news pages:
Louise Cole commented:
“Celebrating the amazing work of volunteers in East Devon in itself is a wonderful thing, our communities are so shaped by the people from all walks across all domains who give their time and make positive things happen.Â
I was very humbled to receive this special recognition, it represents for me collective valuing of the many volunteers who help with the work that Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub (SSCH) / Sea Fest and Sidmouth School of Art (SSA) are doing in Sidmouth and beyond.Â
Art and culture is so vital in bringing people together, enhancing our wellbeing  and inspiring creativity in young and older people, SCCH and SSA are so grateful to the many volunteers who help us to achieve this.” Â
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